Dashashwamedh Ghat
The Riverfront Stage of the Ganga Aarti
Overview
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the principal and liveliest ghat on the Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, a short walk from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Its name means 'the ghat of ten sacrificed horses,' from a legend in which Lord Brahma performed the Dashashwamedha sacrifice here to welcome Shiva. The stone steps were substantially rebuilt in the eighteenth century under the Maratha Peshwas and later Ahilyabai Holkar. Every evening priests perform the elaborate Ganga Aarti, a choreographed ritual of fire, conch and bells at the water's edge. MyTripMyTravel arranges a private dawn boat and reserved Aarti viewing from the river.
Dashashwamedh is the ghat where Varanasi concentrates itself, the widest, busiest run of steps down to the Ganges, thronged from before dawn with pilgrims, bathers, boatmen and sadhus. It is the city at its most vivid and unfiltered.
Its name recalls a legend of Brahma performing ten horse sacrifices here to welcome Shiva to the city. The steps as they stand were rebuilt in the eighteenth century by the Maratha Peshwas and by Ahilyabai Holkar. Each evening the ghat becomes a stage for the Ganga Aarti, when young priests offer towering brass lamps to the river in unison.
MyTripMyTravel sees it twice in a day: a private boat at first light for the sunrise over the river, and reserved viewing from the water for the dusk Aarti, keeping you clear of the dense crowd on the steps.
At a glance
Dashashwamedh Ghat in brief
What to see
Highlights
The Ganga Aarti
The nightly fire ritual performed by young priests with towering multi-tiered brass lamps.
Dawn on the river
Sunrise over the Ganges seen from a boat, the canonical Varanasi image.
The ghat steps
The wide riverfront stairs thronged with pilgrims, bathers and sadhus from before first light.
Riverfront procession
The boat route linking the neighbouring ghats strung along the water.
Visitor information
Our tips
See it twice, a dawn boat for the light, the dusk Aarti for the spectacle.
View the Aarti from the water on a private boat to avoid the dense crowd on the steps.
Keep cameras respectful around bathing and cremation rituals along the river.
For the Aarti from the steps, arrive early, the best vantage points fill up quickly.
Good to know
Dashashwamedh Ghat, your questions
What is the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat?
A nightly ritual in which priests offer fire, incense, conch and bells to the river Ganges in a synchronised ceremony that draws large crowds.
What does the name mean?
'Dashashwamedh' refers to ten (dasha) horse (ashwa) sacrifices (medha), from a legend of Brahma performing the rite here to welcome Shiva.
When is the best time to visit?
Dawn for a boat ride in soft light, and dusk for the Ganga Aarti, we arrange both.
How do I best watch the Aarti?
From a private boat on the river, which gives an unobstructed view away from the crowded steps.
Is there an entry fee?
No, the ghat is free to visit, and we arrange the boat and any reserved seating.
More in Varanasi
Visit with us
See Dashashwamedh Ghat, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Dashashwamedh Ghat into a wider Varanasi and North India itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
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